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Sound Transit officials continue to discuss options for a transit ballot measure that could go before voters in November.

In addition to the 12- and 20-year options already on the table, the agency's board now is discussing a new 15-year plan to fund mass transit expansion. The latest proposal represents a response to public input Sound Transit obtained in May and June; residents showed strong support for extending light-rail service further than was proposed in the 12-year options.

Under the 15-year plan, Sound Transit would expand light-rail service north from University of Washington to Northgate by 2020, and further north to Lynnwood by 2023; east to Bellevue and Overlake Transit Center in Redmond by 2021; and south to Highline Community College by 2020 and Federal Way by 2023. The agency also would expand Sounder commuter-rail  service, and provide longer trains and more trips on the Lakewood-to-Seattle line.  

The 15-year plan would cost 50 percent less than the ballot measure that was rejected by voters last November, which included both transit and road projects. The transit improvements would be funded through a 0.5 percent sales tax increase. The board will decide later this month whether to proceed with a ballot measure in 2008 or wait until 2010.